POWER & TRANSPORTATION CLUSTER DONATION

Ross-Tech, LLC located in Lansdale,recently donated two Ross-Tech VAG-COM Diagnostic Software(VCDS) Ultra Pro-Kits to North Montco Technical Career Center. These kits are valued at over $1,000 each and will be used to further the education and training of students enrolled in the power and transportation cluster. This kit is a turn-key factory-level diagnostic system for cars made by the VW/Audi group.

This donation allows students to work on equipment currently being used by independent automotive shops. According to Ross-Tech, the kit gives independent automotive shops the ability to perform diagnostics at a level comparable to factory equipped dealerships at a price/performance ration unmatched by any other product on the market.

Ross-Tech continues to be a generous supporter of North Montco Technical Career Center.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR - SPAGHETTI DINNER

NMTCC will be holding a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser to benefit the German American Partnership Program on January 22nd from 4-8 PM. Tickets cost $10/adult, $7.50 for seniors 65+ and $5.00 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be ordered through Mr. Tarlecki (mtarlecki@nmtcc.org) or Mrs. Novicki (rnovicki@nmtcc.org). Payment may be made by cash or by check- payable to NMTCC. These tickets make great stocking stuffers!
Note: In case of inclement weather, the dinner will be held on Saturday, January 29th from 4-8 PM. Notification will be placed on our website if the dinner is postponed.

More community service

For the seventh year, NMTCC students along with Ms. Albanesius (Social Studies), Mr. DeLong (Culinary Arts), Mrs. Kachelries (School-to-Career Coordinator), and Mrs. Mitchell (Culinary Instructional Assistant) stayed after school and baked over 700 cookies for patients and their families serviced by Heartland Hospice. This hospice provides specialized care that meets the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and loved ones facing the challenges of an advanced illness. We are proud of our students for continuing to use their skills to bring joy to the community.

ROBOTICS TEAM FORMED AT NORTH MONTCO

NMTCC students have recently formed a Robotics Team. With sponsorship from Montgomery County Community College, NMTCC students have been able to form their own robotics team. Last week, NMTCC’s team competed against 18 other schools at the Southeast FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Regional Qualifier competition held at Montgomery County Community College. The students placed 12th in this competition, but with some tweaking to their robot and some updates to their programming, the team hopes to compete in future qualifying competitions. The top teams at the qualifying competitions earn a spot in the state competition which will be held in March.
FTC is designed for those who want to compete head-to-head, using a sports model. Teams of up to 10 students are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. Teams, including coaches, mentors and volunteers, are required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Awards are given for the competition as for well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments.

Continuing Education Courses Available

Continuing education classes for Spring 2011 are now listed on our website—www.nmtcc.org. Start the new year right by learning a new skill. NMTCC’s Continuing Education Department offers classes from automotive to woodworking. For more information, contact the Continuing Education Office at 215-855-3931 or visit our website at www.nmtcc.org.

Coming Together For The Community

Students in the Floral Design and Landscaping program recently sponsored a school-wide food drive to benefit Manna on Main Street, a soup kitchen and food cupboard that serves people in need, living in the North Penn area.

North Montco students and staff joined together to donate over 500 non-perishable items to this worthwhile cause! We applaud our students and staff for donating food to help people in our community.

Pampering MOM

This week, several mothers from the Bucks Mont Mothers of Multiples group visited NMTCC's cosmetology lab for a morning of pampering. This group of mothers had the opportunity to receive manicures, pedicures and haircuts from the cosmetology students. It was an exciting day for both the moms and the students!

HOSA OFFICERS SELECTED

NMTCC Health Occupations students recently selected their Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) officers for the 2010-2011 school year.

HOSA is a student organization designed to serve students enrolled in health occupations courses, with activities directed to the instructional program. Emphasis is placed on individual and group leadership skills and development, rather than on competitive skills contest.  HOSA combines responsibility with the development of occupational competence.

Congratulations to the 2010-2011 HOSA Officers:
President: Brittany Koch (12th grade, Perkiomen Valley)
Vice-President: Brianna Caperilla (11th grade, Methacton)
Secretary: Meredith Moyer (12th grade, Perkiomen Valley)
Kim Stott (11th grade, Perkiomen Valley)
Treasurer: Sara Kirkpatrick (12th grade, Souderton)
Parliamentarian: Lanie Perrone (12th grade, Methacton)
Historian: Alyson Trout (11th grade, Souderton)
Reporter: Brianna Layden (12th grade, Methacton)

SKILLSUSA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Earlier this month, 34 NMTCC students participated in a SkillsUSA Leadership Conference along with students from eight other area technical schools. During the three day conference, the students had the opportunity to participate in various leadership workshops with topics ranging from public speaking and critical thinking to learning how to run effective meetings.

In addition to the leadership workshops, the students participated in team building activities. They won first place when they worked together and created a NMTCC school cheer. They also earned the second place award for their overall leadership skills.

We are proud of our students and are looking forward to watching them use their new skills as leaders in the NMTCC community.

In Memoriam

Retired Welding Instructor, Mr. William Ludlow, passed away last month. He taught Welding at NMTCC for over 25 years. Not only was Mr. Ludlow skilled in the welding field, but he was also an accomplished woodturner and a longtime member of the North Pennsmen. We were fortunate to have Mr. Ludlow continue to work with NMTCC as a substitute. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the NMTCC community.

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For The Cure...

During the month of October, North Montco Technical Career Center (NMTCC) students sold “Cupcakes for the Cure” and sold various flowers on “Flower Fridays” to raise money during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. NMTCC students raised over $2000. All money raised will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research. Thank you to everyone who supported this worthwhile cause!

Heroic Student

This month, Protective Services student, Jeremy Boyce (12th grade, North Penn), had the opportunity to use the skills he learned in the classroom while he was at work. While Jeremy was working at Wal-Mart, he heard an announcement of an accident. He responded to the location and found a man lying on the floor who was turning blue and having heart attack. Jeremy immediately took control and directed 911 to be called. A registered nurse and Jeremy then performed CPR on the man until the Emergency Medical Technicians arrived. Jeremy also assisted with placing the man in the ambulance.
Jeremy has since found out that the man survived this attack. It appears the man had a blood clot in his heart and when Jeremy and the nurse performed CPR, they were successful in dislodging the clot which saved the man’s life.
We are proud of Jeremy for immediately taking action and using his skills to save this man’s life!

Laurel House Poster Competition Winners

Three North Montco Technical Career Center Graphic Arts' students received awards for their entries in the second annual Laurel House Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Poster Contest.

Tiffany Kriedler (12th grade, North Penn) place second and was awarded $75 for her efforts. Antonio Aloia (10th grade, Methacton) and Emily Hash (12th grade, Souderton)earned the Director's Award and received $25 each for their entries.

We are proud of our students!!

Farewell to our friends from Germany

Yesterday, our friends from Germany headed home. Many of the students wanted to stay. Amid tears and promises to stay in touch, our German friends reluctantly headed to the airport. It was a very emotional goodbye but many friendships were made. Our students are looking forward to visiting their new friends when they head to Germany in February 2011.

Cupcakes for the Cure

North Montco Technical Career Center Culinary Arts students baked pink iced cupcakes which were sold to students in the school in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In just two days, students raised over $500. The sales will continue twice a week throughout the month of October. All money raised from the Cupcakes for the Cure sale will benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation for breast cancer research.

Welcoming our guests from Germany

North Montco Technical Career Center (NMTCC) is currently hosting 15 students and 2 instructors from BSZ Freital school in Germany. This group arrived in America on September 30th and will remain until October 21st.

The students have been spending time in the classrooms as well as visiting area businesses and local areas of interest. This weekend they will travel to Washington, D.C. for more adventures.

October 6th, a group of faculty members from BSZ Freital arrived for a nine day visit. This group includes three instructors and the vice-principal of the school and his wife.

We are excited to have the opportunity to host our friends from Germany.

NMTCC to host German students

From September 30 through October 21st, NMTCC will be hosting 15 students and 2 teachers from Germany as part of our on-going German Exchange program. We look forward to sharing highlights of this program with you when our guests arrive.

Renovations continue

While driving along Sumneytown Pike, you may have noticed all of the activity taking place at the school. The grading has been done for the addition and the footers are in. You may notice that they have begun laying the block too!
Additional changes are taking place inside the school. The Industrial Electricity lab was expanded and revamped to accommodate more students. In addition, 2 of the existing cosmetology labs have been reconditioned.
There still is much more work to be completed but the end result will be something we will enjoy sharing with the community!

Business partnership featured in today's Reporter

Today's issue of The Reporter highlights a successful business partnership North Montco Technical Career Center (NMTCC) has with La Mirage Salon in Lansdale. Currently, nine NMTCC graduates are working at La Mirage Salon including the owner, Kellie Galinski.

We appreciate the training and guidance Kellie and the other NMTCC graduates at La Mirage provide to our cosmetology students. Read The Reporter's article for further details.

We'll continue to highlight business partnerships we have because they truly help our students prepare for their future!

Renovation update

As you drive along Sumneytown Pike, you may have noticed the mound of dirt and the construction fences. So much work is taking place inside (and outside) our school this summer. The entire culinary arts kitchen has been gutted. The workers are digging now so they can put a new grease trap in the kitchen. Once this is completed, the crew will be able to build the addition to our school.
We'll continue to keep you updated on the progess of the renovations!

CLASS OF 2010 GRADUATION PLANS

The North Montco Technical Career Center Class of 2010 post-graduation plans include:

53% will further their education in a field related to the program they studied while at NMTCC.

19% will further their education in a field unrelated to the program they studied while at NMTCC.

17% found employment in a field related to the program they studied while at NMTCC.

5% will be joining the military

6% found employment in a field unrelated to the program they studied while at NMTCC.

We wish all the graduates great success!!

Students now certified EMTs

Four Protective Services students recently passed their state practical and written exams to become certified as Pennsylvania Emergency Medical Technicians. These students worked very hard to achieve this certification.

The course consisted of over 200 hours of theory and lab work held at North Montco Technical Career Center. In addition, students participated in over 200 hours of clinical work which takes place at various ambulance stationbs. Students applied their skills and knowledge to directly care for patients while on the ambulance for various types of situations. Each student was also required to complete a minimum of 12 documented direct patient care calls.

Congratulations Class of 2010

On Tuesday, June 8th, NMTCC held their annual Senior Recognition Night. Over $15,000 was awarded to the graduating seniors during this awards ceremony. The seniors also received their certificates of completion or participation and will receive their high school diplomas from their sending schools.
In addition, seniors from the Class of 2010 earned over $2,000,000 in scholarships!

The administration, faculty and staff of North Montco Technical Career Center are proud of the Class of 2010 and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Graphic Arts students work with RSVP

In April, eight students in North Montco Technical Career Center's Graphic Arts class competed to create the new logo to be used by RSVP of Montgomery County for their upcoming 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk which will be held at the Elmwood Park Zoo on October 3, 2010.

Students submitted designs depicting wild animals in action. Submissions were made by students Miranda, Ian, Emma, Tiffani, Andrew, Christine, Kirsten and Theresa. The winner, Theresa, submitted a running lion design, inspired by her trips to the zoo. RSVP will use the logo to promote the 5K on tee shirts, signage and brochures.

The 5K theme is Run Wild. The run and walk course will meander through the Elmwood Park Zoo offering participants a chance to visit with their wild friends. All proceeds from this event will benefit RSVP's Children's Literacy programs.

Renovations are beginning!

The construction fencing has now been placed in the parking lot. The school renovations are beginning. We'll keep you updated on the progress!

Students earn certifications

Congratulations to our students enrolled in Health classes who successfully passed the American Red Cross Adult CPR/AED certification exam. 134 students obtained the American Red Cross Adult CPR/AED certification this year. The opportunity to earn this certification is available to all 11th and 12th grade students who receive their Health class at NMTCC.

The requirements for successful course completion and certification include:
· Attending and participating in all activities, skill sessions and skill scenarios
· Correctly demonstrating all required skills
· Correctly answering at least 80 percent of the questions in each section of the written exam.

Master Chef Joseph Poon’s visit to Culinary Arts class

Culinary Arts students were thrilled to receive a visit by Master Chef Joseph Poon last week. He is known for the Asian Fusion restaurants he has owned in Philadelphia, his Wok ‘N Walk Tours of Philadelphia’s Chinatown, hands-on cooking classes, vegetable and fruit sculptures and autobiographical cookbook, Life is Short...Cooking is Fun!

Chef Poon treated first session students to a fabulous carving demonstration using various fruits and vegetables. Some of the shapes he carved include a rose out of a potato, a sea horse and dragon out of watermelon, and a palm tree out of a carrot and a pepper. He even selected some students to participate in the demonstration with him. During the second session, Chef Poon demonstrated how to “Make 7 Dishes from one Chicken” for the students.

Throughout his demonstrations, Chef Poon stressed the need to practice. He told the students they need to make their mistakes now so they can learn from these mistakes. He reminded the students they need to work hard to achieve their goals and stressed the importance of community service. Chef Poon currently performs between 500 and 1000 hours of community service each year. He feels it is important to give back to the community.

Senior Projects a Success

Last week over 700 people toured the school to see the projects of our 12th grade students. The students' hardwork was reflected throughout the school. Guests had the opportunity to visit all 22 programs offered at North Montco Technical Career Center as well as sample delicious creations from the Culinary Arts students, see building designs in the drafting class, and learn about various diseases researched by students in the Health Occupations program.

See the work of our Seniors!

On Tuesday, May 11, North Montco Technical Career Center will be holding our 6th annual Senior Projects Expo. This is a chance for the 12th grade students to display their knowledge through a graduation project related to the program they are participating in while attending North Montco Technical Career Center. The students’ displays will be throughout the building.

Students’ displays will be open to the public from 12-2 PM and again from 6-8 PM. Come see the work of our talented students!

Welcome to North Montco Technical Career Center

North Montco Technical Career Center (NMTCC) offers 22 programs within eight cluster areas including Construction Trades, Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, Engineering/Manufacturing, Enviromental Horticulture, Health & Human Services, Power & Transportation and Visual Arts. The school serves approximately 1100 students from five surrounding school districts - Methacton, North Penn, Perkiomen Valley, Souderton Area and Wissahickon. In addition to technical training, we provide academic courses to our full time students within all eight clusters.

This blog will provide a glimpse into our school!

Test blog

Test blog for NMTCC